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Broadcast firms reveal anti-piracy investments

Maaz Sheikh (3rd from right), revealed OSN's investment in anti-piracy measures during the panel discussion on piracy in the Middle East

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Dubai-based broadcaster OSN has invested “tens of millions” of dollars to fight piracy, according to Maaz Sheikh, the company’s chief sales and operations officer.

Sheikh, who revealed the figures during a panel discussion on piracy at the ITP Broadcast Forum in Dubai earlier this week, said: “It has been a careful investment in resources but you have to realise that securing our service is a core part of our business. It is a significant investment in technology and resources for us.”

Dennis Lehtinen, head of pay TV operations at Abu Dhabi Media Group, said that his organisation has invested about $3 million in anti piracy software and hardware.

Meanwhile, John Illingworth, sales director for MENA, Irdeto, a company that specialises in anti-piracy platforms, described his company’s investments as “phenomenal”.

Irdeto recently acquired a company that can search the internet to identify content that is illegally distributed. “It cost us to buy that company and then develop it in house,” Illingworth said.
Analysts estimate that satellite channels and websites that show film and TV content without buying broadcast rights are costing the industry some $500 million a year.

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